Description

ENFP (Ne-Fi-Te-Si) is a personality type within Jungian Cognitive Function theory, which categorizes people according to their intrinsic differences in cognitive attitudes. ENFPs are often positively nicknamed the "inspirers".

I love meeting people, as a result I've been successful in sales, however, I am constantly challenged by my lack of organization and my ability to get easily side-tracked. Much like cleaning, when I'm feeling it I could be the most successful member of the team, when I'm not I feel like I'm just wasting my time (and proceed to waste my time on the internet or various procrastinations). I constantly wish for better discipline. Seems like a lot of the career choice suggestions posted hear are focused around people brining their challenges to you (English teacher, hotels ect). I would like to see if other ENFPs have lead successful sales/entrepreneurial careers.

This was my feeling working retail. I ended up working in a more service-oriented part of the store, where I really felt like I was helping people do something they couldn't necessarily do themselves.

Man, I was bad at selling stuff to customers though. I wanted to know every single detail about their situation before recommending anything to them, but that's just not feasible in a retail setting.

In my opinion, if OP is in a corporate sales job where the client list is short but loyal, then it's a great fit for the stereotypical ENFP. You get to learn about people, then help them out. Cold calling thousands of potential clients on the other hand? Probably not.

As an ENFP, it's difficult to not use the powers of perception for evil means -- like retail. I currently work in retail and have for the past three years but, I feel guilty about my ability to know what people need to be told to buy things that are overpriced and unnecessary.

I don't do sales, but I do nonprofit fundraising, which has some similarities. Especially when you get up into the more strategic, less transactional/administrative fundraising jobs, this is a wonderfully fulfilling career choice for ENFPs. I have thrived in it. It's all people based, and ENFP strengths like warmth, enthusiasm and authenticity are the key to being successful at it.

You can so have it if you want it! So many nonprofits need help, there are constantly job openings for fundraising (also called development, not to be confused with software development). And don't buy the idea that you need a masters' degree to do it; experience counts more. If you have none, start by volunteering and work your way into it, or get a certificate in it (for example, they have a fundraising certificate program at the University of Washington).